Pocket Pet Safety

"Pocket pets" are smaller size animals that are usually kept in cages or aquariums. The term ‘pocket pets' usually refers to furry mammals such as:

Gerbils

Guinea pigs

Hamsters

Mice

Pygmy hedgehogs

Rats

Other popular caged pets such as reptiles (snakes, lizards, and turtles), amphibians (toads, frogs, salamanders) and birds (chicks, ducklings, parakeets, etc.) can also be considered pocket pets.

Caring for pocket pets can be lots of fun and even educational. However, pocket pet ownership comes with some risks and important responsibilities, too. It's important you learn how to take care of your pocket pet properly not only to keep it healthy, but also to keep you and your family healthy and safe.

Diseases

It is natural for many pocket pets to carry germs (bacteria and viruses) that can make you and your family sick. Every year across the country, thousands of people become sick with bacterial infections that come from unsafe pet care and handling. Here are some diseases that pocket pets can potentially carry: